Eyes Wide Open: The Latest Lash Science

Holiday events will be here before we know it. What route will you be taking to upgrade your lashes for those countless parties and gatherings?

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When it comes to eyelashes, the mantra has become: the bigger, the bolder, the better. Here, three ways to get a lush, lovely set of lashes. We won't tell if they're really yours or not.

For the ultimate lash lovers, extensions are the ideal option. It's a time commitment—the service can take up three hours, depending on the salon and professional. The lash artist decides on a pattern that best flatters your face and eye shape, then single lashes are attached to your individual lashes with a special adhesive. The false lashes should last about three weeks, but can last longer with touch-up trips to the salon. This is, of course, a pricier option, and can cost upward of $200.

In addition to cash, lash extensions require maintenance. Tip: To prolong the life of these lashes, Cristina Marroquin, of Butterfly Studio in NYC, suggests avoiding creams, makeup, or anything oil based around the lash area while the extensions are on. Try to sleep on your back with your face up and do not pull the lashes or rub your eyes excessively.

Another less serious, but extremely dramatic option is false lashes that you apply yourself. These are usually deemed "event-worthy," as applying them is no easy feat and can take practice (and time!). Black is usually the go-to shade, but some makeup companies have been coming out with colored versions, including Illamasqua (pictured, above) and Urban Decay, both sold at Sephora stores.

And lastly, an easy day-to-day option is of course, a great eye-popping mascara. The newest mascaras give instant length and volume, while also strengthening and enhancing lashes over time, with special vitamin-infused formulas. Sephora's new Advanced Lash Booster and Rimmel London Lash Accelerator are two to try.